A Guide to best ovens and Hobs
hobs and ovens (a cool way to improve) give an elegant, modern look to any kitchen, and can be seamlessly integrated into your worktops and kitchen units. Shop our full oven and hob collection today.
Electric hobs heat up using a variety of 'cooking ring designs that come with between four and six different power levels. They can take a while to warm up before cooling down.
Hobs of different types
The stove top, kitchen hob or range cooker (the latter is the main cooking appliance you roast and bake food in) is an essential part of every home. It is used to cook a variety of techniques, which is why it's essential to select the ideal hob for your needs. Whether you are a master chef who values precision or a busy family cook who wants speed, there's a cooker to meet your requirements.
Induction and electric ceramic hobs have a frameless, flat design that improves the sleek appearance of any kitchen. They come with four or five cooking zones, each of which is operated independently by a separate dial. This allows you the choice of boiling potatoes on one ring while sauteing sausages on another which is ideal for busy families. They also rapidly heat up and feature a an even surface that makes them easy to wipe clean. However, they can be more expensive than gas hobs and may take longer to cool down and heat down.
Gas hobs are quick to heat and provide precise control, making them popular among chefs. They're also safe with built-in flame failure safety systems that cut off the gas supply in case there is a leak. They may be less efficient than electrical or induction hobs, and they are harder to clean because of the pan supports and stove burners.
Plate hobs have been in use for decades. They have a flat-topped top with electric or gas rings that heat up when you turn the dial. They are cost-effective, but they are not ideal for cast-iron cookware, and they don't evenly distribute heat over the entire surface.
Induction hobs are able to heat your pan directly, instead of heating up the surface of the hob as with traditional hobs. They are safer since there is no open flame. They are also easy to clean. They are also more expensive and take longer to cool and heat than electric hobs or gas.
Gas hobs
Gas hobs are a popular choice among home cooks because of their speedy heating capabilities and easy control. There are models with between two and six burners. Some models have a wok-burner for stir-fry cooking. Some also have a visual flame indicator that indicates whether the hob is on or off.
They are faster to cook food than electric or induction models, and are therefore perfect for kitchens with a lot of activity. They are also less expensive to run than electric hobs, provided you get electricity from a company that generates renewable energy sources.
You can choose between built-in or freestanding gas hobs. The latter are a better option for those who are planning to renovate your kitchen since they can be moved easily later. They can be difficult to install, and may require you to cut into the finished carpentry. This is not suitable for every home.
Freestanding models have a flat, smooth surface which makes them easier to clean than other types of hobs. They often feature elegant, stainless steel trims, which can be integrated into a variety of kitchen designs. Certain models come with touch-sensitive controls, and some even feature a power boost feature that enhances the intensity of the burner by 50%.
Certain gas hobs are equipped with an automatic safety feature that shuts off gas supply when the flame has gone out. This means that you don't have to worry about accidentally igniting an fire. They can also be cheaper than electric hobs to operate, and provide precise temperature control for a variety of cooking methods.
Gas hobs emit carbon dioxide when they burn. This can be an issue for eco-conscious consumers. Luckily, there are now models that don't produce any CO2 at all while they're in use. These are known as "zero emission gas hobs' or eco-friendly gas hobs, they still have all the features that are typical of traditional gas models but don't emit any CO2 at all while in operation.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs are a common option for kitchens of every style. They have a variety of advantages over other types. Electric hobs can heat up and cool off faster than gas hobs. This means that less heat is left when the cookware is removed. They also cook more consistently and are less susceptible to hot spots than gas models. Electric models are also easier to maintain and less expensive to operate than gas models.
Ceramic or glass electric hobs are most commonly found in modern kitchens. They have a sleek, elegant appearance that is easy to clean. They are also safe to handle. Their flat surface makes them a popular choice for parents who have children, as they're unlikely to be smashed or scratched by heavy pans. They're also fairly inexpensive to run and are able to be repaired if damaged.
Ceramic hobs heat directly in the pan, in contrast to traditional plate hobs that use coils to heat the pan. They can heat and cool faster and are suitable for any cookware. They can be more expensive than electric plate stoves but they will save you money over the long run because of their efficiency.
It is crucial to keep your ceramic or tempered glass stove regularly to avoid any problems. For instance cleaning the cooktop with an anti-abrasive cleaner is recommended, as is checking and replacing faulty heating controls, as well as regularly cleaning out the grates and burner caps. Keep an eye out for gas smells, because they could indicate a problem in the gas lines or leaks. If you suspect this, it's advisable to speak with a professional gas engineer to seek assistance. Always ensure that the hob has cooled completely before cleaning to prevent any severe damage. This will also stop any accidental fires or spills!
Induction hobs
A modern alternative to traditional electric and gas hobs, induction cookers use magnetic fields to heat the pan itself instead of the cooktop itself. They heat up faster than other types of stoves, and will save you energy over time. The cooktop surface is cool to the touch and many models come with safety features such as automatic shutoff to prevent accidents.
The majority of induction hobs have a glass or ceramic top and are powered by an alternating current, which creates a magnetic field to heat. An induction-compatible pan must be flat on the bottom and an iron or steel core. The magnetic field is only activated when the pan is placed on the cooking zone. The majority of hobs have an 'bridging zone' that allows two zones to be joined to allow for larger pans.
Induction hobs are well-known for their efficiency and many people have reported a dip in their energy costs after switching to one. They are also considered to be more secure since the cooktop's surface stays cool to the surface, reducing the chance of burns, and it only heats the pan and its contents. This makes them more suitable for children than gas or electric hobs which can become extremely hot and pose a burn danger.
Most induction cooktops come with different types of controls, the most basic being an easy-to-use power bar/touch mark on the surface of the best hob uk, or a fully functional TFT display that displays all the options and allows you to change power levels, set timers and more. Induction hobs that are more sophisticated feature many small copper coils placed tightly together under the cooktop. The magnet under each coil detects the time when the pan is positioned. It then activates the required coil to suit the pan size and shape.
All of our best ovens and hobs can be purchased as stand-alone models or easily integrated into kitchen units for an elegant and seamless look. Our selection includes everything from sleek stainless steel and black finishes to trendy ceramic and copper. Take a look at our other appliances like dishwashers, refrigerator freezers and washing machines that will make your kitchen run smoothly.